Aviation is essential to the Alaskan way of life. The entire aviation community and users will meet to explore current and future resources to advance aviation safety in Alaska. We are committed to safety the top priority.

WHEN: Friday, October 29, 2010 8:00am - 4:30pm

WHERE: Marriott Downtown Hotel, Anchorage

WHY: Aviation crashes from 2000-2009 have declined as a result of several safety initiatives in Alaska. The number of fatal crashes and fatalities to date in 2010, are higher than corresponding average numbers during the previous decade.

Bill Popp, president and CEO of Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, accepted the ceremonial flag as part of the 2011 Neighborhoods, USA national conference on behalf of Mayor Dan Sullivan and the Municipality of Anchorage. The flag will be flown during the national conference that takes place in Anchorage from May 26-29.

Popp accepted the flag at a recent board meeting of NUSA in Anchorage, joined by Federation of Community Council chairman Dick Tremaine and conference co-chairs, Sheli Dodson and Kathleen Liska. The NUSA national conference, hosted by the Federation of Community Councils, is designed to expose attendees to the successes and accomplishments of the Anchorage community.

"It was an honor to accept the flag of the conference on behalf of Mayor Sullivan and the City of Anchorage," said Bill Popp. "Our unified vision is that by 2025, Anchorage will be the number one city in America to live, work and play. Our neighborhoods and the greater community are an integral part of making that vision a reality and a great opportunity to spotlight our Anchorage neighborhoods."

The theme of the 2011 conference is "Great Land, Great Neighborhoods" and will feature Iditarod legend Martin Buser as the keynote speaker, opening the conference with a message about teamwork. The conference will feature workshops on community health, community safety, green community initiatives, recreation, grassroots development, multicultural/multigenerational community building, leadership and innovative community housing.

The conference is a collaborative effort of hundreds of volunteers, community leaders and public and private partnerships all working to improve communications and strengthen neighborhoods across the country.

Neighborhoods, USA is a national non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations. For more information on NUSA go to: http://www.nusa.org

Seward Chamber of Commerce Seeking New Executive Director

Seward, Alaska, October 13, 2010-The Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announces the departure of current Executive Director, Laura Cloward, who is moving to Cordova next month after nearly 6 1/2 years at the Chamber.

The Chamber is currently accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce, Conference and Visitors Bureau is responsible for the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all existing duties and functions of the Seward Chamber, which promotes a prosperous and diversified economy and a positive business environment. Responsibilities include growing and nurturing Chamber membership; developing and implementing revenue-generating strategies and programs; strategic planning for long-term growth; lobbying local, state, and national government officials for the good of the Seward-area economy; promoting community and economic development; managing Chamber operating budget and government marketing contract; managing personnel and day-to-day operations; developing media relations; developing promotional publications; coordinating committee activities; overseeing visitor center daily operations and community events; and maintaining the Chamber website, www.seward.com.

For more information on this exciting opportunity, you can download a pdf of the job description at www.seward.com or contact the Chamber by email (chamber@seward.net) or telephone (907-224-8051). The Chamber will accept applications (resume and cover letter) via email, fax, or in person.